ROME – Sickness has been forbidden in the town of Belcastro in Calabria by Antonio Torchia, the local mayor, citing the lack of adequate healthcare facilities in the area.

 ‘It’s to provoke thought’ says Sig. Torchia. The closest accessible hospital to the people of Belcastro is 45 km away and, with an aging population, this is a serious problem. 

 The initiative comes following the opening of a medical station in the town that is only open part-time and dependent on the availability of medical personnel, who are increasingly difficult to recruit.

 The result of this will only cause harm, according to Sig. Torchia, especially considering the fact that half the population are aged. 

 Thus, he has ‘ordered’ citizens ‘to refrain from contracting any illnesses that would require medical intervention and above all urgent medical attention.’

 When contacted by the press the mayor doubled down and announced that if there is no news soon then he will formalise a complaint report for the interruption of the provision of public services against the interest of the public. 

  He added that his latest ‘orders’ have had a far grander effect than dozens of certified emails, which were sent to the Provincial Health Authority and are finally highlighting the shortcomings in local healthcare services. 

 ‘Hopefully my initiative will shake some consciences at a political level, as well as at a healthcare level, and that the necessary interventions to resolve this unfortunate situation will be resolved as soon as possible’.

og